If you’ve ever used Google Street View and wished Apple Maps had something similar—good news! Apple has its own version called Look Around, and it’s smooth, intuitive, and built right into your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
In this post, I’ll walk you step-by-step through how to use Apple Maps Street View (Look Around), including how to activate it, explore, and get the most out of it whether you’re trip planning, house hunting, or just curious.
📍 What Is Look Around in Apple Maps?
Look Around is Apple’s equivalent of Google Street View. It provides interactive, high-resolution street-level imagery in supported cities, allowing you to virtually “walk” through streets and neighborhoods. It’s available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac running the latest versions of iOS or macOS.
✅ Devices That Support Look Around
You can use Look Around on:
• iPhone (iOS 13 or later)
• iPad (iPadOS 13 or later)
• Mac (macOS Big Sur or later)
🔍 How To Use Look Around on iPhone or iPad
1. Open Apple Maps
Launch the built-in Apple Maps app on your device.
2. Search for a Location
Type in a city, address, or place name. Look Around works best in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and others where street-level imagery has been captured.
3. Tap the Binoculars Icon
If the location supports Look Around, you’ll see a binoculars icon appear either:
• Next to the place name
• On the map itself
Tap it to launch Look Around.
4. Navigate in Look Around Mode
Once inside Look Around:
• Swipe to move around
• Tap to move down the street
• Rotate your view by swiping with two fingers
• Pinch to zoom
You can also tap the expand icon to go full-screen for a more immersive experience.
5. Exit Look Around
When you’re done exploring, tap Done in the top-right corner.
🖥 How To Use Look Around on a Mac
The process is nearly identical on a Mac:
1. Open Apple Maps
2. Search for a location
3. Click the Look Around preview thumbnail
4. Use your trackpad or mouse to navigate
💡 Pro Tips for Using Look Around
• Use it for trip planning: Preview neighborhoods, check out hotels, or find nearby landmarks.
• Check real estate areas: Get a feel for streets before booking showings or moving.
• Explore new cities virtually: Look Around is a great way to explore destinations right from your couch.
🎥 Watch the Full Video Tutorial
🧭 Final Thoughts
Apple Maps has come a long way—and Look Around is one of the best features they’ve added. It’s fast, easy to use, and perfect for digital exploration. If you’ve never tried it, now’s the time!
Have questions or want a tutorial on another Apple feature? Leave a comment or send me an email—I’d love to help.
